1/18/2007 @ 4:30PM

Ten Riskiest Businesses To Start

Transportation

This big category includes taxis, limos, ambulances, hearses and other vehicles for hire. All operators pay high insurance premiums, suffer during oil spikes and have tons of competition, but each mode has its own risks, too. Take taxis: In New York City, where the number of taxis has been fixed since 1937, the price of a taxi license is upwards of $400,000–a stiff entry price to do battle, even in a $1.8 billion market. Then you have to find trustworthy drivers to pull in revenue–unless you enjoy grueling 10-plus-hour shifts. As for liveries, their welfare depends on connections with local hotels and businesses. Network poorly and you’re done.